Remembering How...Our journey through CA 2007-2009

[Fergie]

We're leaving California on Monday. This was suppossed to be our "Farewell California" trip, but after taking a look at the past two years here, and some of the good friends we've made, California will forever be part of our lives, even if we don't live here.

As much a "Trip" thread as a "Remember" thread, and as much as I dont memorialize my thoughts(albeit in cyberspace) too often, this trip turned out to be a learning experience more than just an excersize in vehicle dependent car camping, and I have the hankering to put it writing(typing).

So, remembering how much fun it was to meet all these new people in Pasadena? Adam, Linda, Trevor, Trish, Louis, Lindsay, Stu, Dale, Rob and Vince.

Such a great time was had by all, that we decided to take a trip to Death Valley together.

Remember how the WJ exploded...literally?

It may have had something to do with a foreign substance in the radiator...not too sure though...anyone care to own up?

I want to thank, specifically, and whole heartedly the following folks for taking care of my wife and I when the Jeep crapped out, but on a whole, the entire group was awesome...
-Wesel123: Thank you for carting us home early, and everything since then.
-FourbyLand: Thanks for carrying our gear. I know the carrying our fridge lead you to buy one of your own
-GreenGanesha, Adam, 1Leg, Gear(and Miles too....my co-pilot): Thank you for taking away from the trip to rescue my rig. Bombing down Death Valley with no power anything was a cool ride...literally!

Times cames and went, we hung out with folks and built friendships...welded trailers and racks, got wives pregnant and that sort of thing...the usual....

 

[Fergie]

DV would not conquer me...although I think my Jeep was afraid. After a quick few emails, and a kitchen pass, I met up with this nefarious group.

Let me tell you this, driving through Death Valley to Saline Springs, sans experience, accompanied by this:
(three plugs)

Is not something I recommend. By a singular HAM act, I made it, and had a great time. To poach a few photos from another thread here, we all had a great time, and I look forward to other Saline trips.

There is something odd about Death Valley...my Jeep kept being accosted by a sexy black man:

And now on to the most recent trip...the part where I actually had to remember how!

 

[Fergie]

As I said, we leave Monday, and there was so much of California that we hadnt seen. We left on a thursday up to Lancaster to see Louis and Lindsay of FourbyLand fame. We'll see you three elsewhere, and thank you for a good night of King's Cup....keep rowing.

From there, we headed up the 14, and then to the west, then north some more until we came to Sequoia NP....this is the part where I had to remember how.

I've been camping a lot, but always with other folks, and personally, had not gone in a while. I had a lot to remember.

Remember how the tent went together?
Remember how the nifty hi-tec camera operates?
Remember how the GPS operates?
Remember how much fun it is to spend good, unadulterated time with you kid?

We took a short hike and snapped some photos:

Rock staring has become a past time of a few...

We got back to camp and the kid enjoyed some eating time:

 

[Fergie]

Remember how the nice Ranger said there was a two year old bear in the area that like to check the camp ground out...he wasnt joking.
Bear Paw marks:

Bear Evidence...all for an air freshener and a water bottle:

The next morning we headed farther in to Sequoia and walked among giants:

Then it was off to Yosemite NP...and the wife took some good pictures...one of which will be a "Remember" for our kid...

Then to the coast to Santa Cruz, Monterery and home. Just another nice shot of the coast.

Thanks for the memories all, can't wait to make some more!!

 

[Brian McVickers]

This is great!

Where are you moving to?

Brian

 

[Streakerfreak]

There is something odd about Death Valley...my Jeep kept being accosted by a sexy black man:

I'm sorry, but that is the funniest thing I have read in a long time. :victory:

You guys are great.

Good luck Fergie.

 

[Richie]

Looks like you guys had a blast. The one time I went to Yosemite the falls were dry. I missed out big time. Thanks for sharing the pics.

 

[MrGrimm]

Maybe I didnt see it, but brand/model pack do you have for your baby carrier? Wife and I are expecting number 2 in January so I need to get another pack for the young one. I had a kelty pack before but I would like something a bit more like yours.

 

[Fergie]

MrGrimm, our's is a Kelty TC 2.1

 

[suntinez]

Gavin - It was great spending some time and getting to know you. CA will miss you, but even with a new vehicle, I'm sure we can find you around Flagstaff! All the best ...